13 Surprising Benefits of Curry Leaves

Curry Leaves Benefits 

Curry leaves also known as kadi patta and scientifically named as Murraya Koenigii. Curry leaves are noted for their distinct flavor and aroma, are not only a classic in Indian cuisine, but they also provide numerous health advantages.

Murraya koenigii is a native of Sri Lanka and India and is a member of the Rutaceae family.

Various names have been given to Murraya koenigii in India, including Karepaku in Andhra Pradesh, Curry/Kari Patta in Hindi, Karivempu in Tamilnadu, Mitha Neemin in Himachal Pradesh, Kariveppilei in Kerala.

These little, aromatic leaves are high in nutrients and bioactive substances, which provide numerous health benefits. 

Curry leaves are traditionally used in treating piles, inflammation, itching, fresh cuts, dysentery, bruises, and edema.

Its medicinal properties are not just limited to its leaves, the roots are purgative to some extent. They are stimulating and used for common body aches.

The essential oil extracted from curry leaves are reported to possess anti-oxidative, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective activities in animal models.

The medicinal properties of Murraya koenigii have been accredited to several biochemical compounds in it.

In India, curry leaves are added in dishes, curries especially dal, and used to treat diarrhoea, periodic infections. Curry leaves are known for their medicinal and cooking applications.

This post discusses about curry leaves benefits, its nutrient profile and how to include it in your diet.

Health Benefits

Let us have a look at curry leaves benefits for hair.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Curry leaves are loaded with antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Curry leaves contains various bioactive compounds such as alkoloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and polyphenols. Some flavonoids in curry leaves include quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, rutin, catechin and myricetin.

Some major bioactive compounds in curry leaves include mahanine, mahanimbine, isolongifolene, koenimbine, girinimbine, isomahanine, koenoline, and others, which exhibit remarkable antioxidant properties

In a study of antioxidative activity of curry leaves, it was found that two carbazole alkaloids, mahanimbine and koenigine extracted from curry leaves showed antioxidant activity. Specifically, Koenigine demonstrated strong anti-radical (refers to substances or actions that counteract or neutralize free radicals) effects.

In another study, both water and ethanol extracts of curry leaves are tested using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The ethanolic extract showed 80% scavenging activity, similar to the antioxidant compound quercetin.

The antioxidants in curry leaves, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids, contribute to their protective effects.

2. May Fight Against Cancer 

Koenigii has certain natural compounds that might have cancer-fighting properties. 

A cellular study reveals that curry leaves, rich in polyphenols, can slow down cancer cell growth by inhibiting the proteasome, an enzyme involved in protein breakdown. This study on breast cancer cells showed reduced cell survival, inhibited growth, and triggered programmed cell death (apoptosis), while leaving healthy cells unaffected.

In a laboratory study, the benzene extract of curry leaves demonstrated dose-dependent antimutagenic effects, reducing 72-86% of mutagenicity caused by harmful chemicals in a bacterial mutagenicity assay.

Mutagenicity refers to the ability of a substance to cause genetic mutations, which may lead to cancer or other diseases.

These findings suggest curry leaves as potent proteasome inhibitors with potential in cancer treatment.

However, these effects were observed in only in callular or laboratory studies, further research on animals and humans is needed to validate curry leaves as anti-cancer drug.

3. May Help Treat Ulcers

One of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases is the peptic ulcer. Curry leaves’ aqueous extract has been found to have anti-ulcer properties.

An animal study showed that curry leaf extracts demonstrated anti-ulcer effects in rats with induced stomach ulcers. The hot aqueous extract, when given at doses of 250 and 400 mg/kg, helped prevent stomach damage caused by pylorus ligation (a surgery) and anti-inflammatory drugs.

The extract reduced stomach acid, ulcer formation, and overall gastric volume, while also increasing the pH. Its effects were found to be similar to those of ranitidine, a common anti-ulcer medication.

4. May Improve Cognition

Supplementation with curry leaf extracts has been reported in the management of a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and others.

An animal study evaluated the effects of curry leaves on Alloxan-induced cognitive impairment in diabetic rats. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts improved memory, reduced oxidative stress, and decreased acetylcholinesterase activity. Results suggest potential benefits for dementia, but further research on toxicity and pharmacological interactions is needed.

Another study investigated the effects of mahanimbine, a compound from curry leaves, on age-related memory loss and brain health in older mice. After 30 days of daily mahanimbine treatment, it improved memory, reduced oxidative stress, lowered harmful proteins and enzymes, and boosted important brain chemicals.

However, the detailed mechanism behind how mahanimbine improves cognitive function and protects the brain needs more investigation.

5. May Promote Kidney Health

Curry leaves have been used as a nephro protective agent in a diabetic-induced rat model.

Curry leaves extract was found to protect against kidney damage caused by cyclophosphamide by maintaining high levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in diabetic rats compared to cyclophosphamide-treated group.

Another study found that Murraya Koenigii significantly reduced serum urea and creatinine levels and increased antioxidant capacity in diabetic rats depending on the dose. More noteworthy is that it also promoted kidney tissue regeneration, as shown by improved kidney histology, when compared to control rats.

Incorporating curry leaves into the diet may be a natural and effective way to support and protect kidney health.

These animal studies show promising results, more research is needed to to validate its effects.

6. May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

The primary aim in treating diabetes is to manage long-term hyperglycemia using insulin, conventional therapy, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.

However, these treatments may have significant side effects, prompting exploration of alternative therapies. Plants are seen as a promising source of potential antidiabetic medications.

Curry leaves, has shown statistically significant potential in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic rats induced with STZ.

In fact, extracts from curry leaves were found more effective than the well-known antidiabetic drug glibenclamide. Mahanimbine, isolated from the plant’s petroleum ether extract, is thought to contribute to its antidiabetic properties.

On streptozotocin-induced wistar rats, mahanimbine, administered at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, demonstrated anti-diabetic effects by potentially enhancing insulin action.

However, plant-derived substances typically act slower than synthetic drugs and increasing the dosage beyond certain point may not lead to further therapeutic benefits.

These studies drive to the conclusion that further research is needed to identify specific active compounds responsible for the antidiabetic properties of Murraya koenigii, ensuring safe and effective long-term diabetes treatment.

7. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Curry leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

An animal study found that Murraya Koenigii leaf extracts reduce pain caused by acetic acid and formalin injections in mice. Higher doses (20 and 40 mg/kg) also reduced early-phase inflammation from formalin, as shown by decreased pain and writhing responses.

An ethanol extract from curry leaves showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity when explored using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in albino rats.

And another study also confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of an curry leaves extract in carrageenan-induced paw edema.

These findings suggest that curry leaves  may be beneficial in treating inflammatory pain and related conditions.

However, these results are gained through animal studies and more research is essential to confirm its effectiveness on human.

8. May Protect your Liver from Damage

Curry leaves possess significant hepatoprotective properties, making them beneficial for liver health.

Liver is the site of drug metabolism and the detoxification site of toxic products, and so it is the organ most exposed to chemical contaminants.

An animal study demonstrated that Murraya koenigii showed hepatoprotective activity when crude aqueous extracts were investigated against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity.

Murraya koenigii was also found to protect the liver in chronic alcoholism and was shown to maintain healthy enzyme levels that counteract oxidative stress.

Regular consumption of curry leaves may aid in protecting the liver from damage caused by toxins, drugs, and diseases, promoting overall liver health and preventing conditions such as fatty liver and hepatitis.

Keep in mind these researches are done on animals, more clinical trials are needed to validate these benefits.

9. May Support Heart Health

Curry leaves support heart health by helping lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), thanks to their rich antioxidant content. They reduce oxidative stress, which can protect the heart from damage and inflammation.

A study examined the cardioprotective effects of curry leaves extract against doxorubicin-induced heart damage in rats. Results showed that the extract reduced cardiac injury markers, improved antioxidant levels, decreased oxidative stress, reduced inflammation, and preserved heart tissue.

However, the specific way curry leaves extract protects against oxidative damage is still unknown and needs further study.

Another study evaluated the effects of curry leaves on managing cholesterol and preventing atherosclerosis caused by repeated heated vegetable oils in rabbits.

Results showed that the aqueous extract of curry leaves reduced cholesterol levels, fat buildup, and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. At 500 mg/kg/day, its lipid-lowering effects were similar to lovastatin, but with fewer side effects. The extract also reduced oxidative stress more effectively than statins.

This study suggests curry leaves extract as an effective, affordable, and safe natural alternative to statins for reducing cholesterol and preventing atherosclerosis when used in the right doses.

10. May Help in Weight Management 

Curry leaves can support weight management due to their rich antioxidant and fiber content.

A study investigated the effects of LI85008F, a herbal combination of Moringa, curry leaves, and turmeric, on weight loss in obese rats. After 28 days on a high-fat diet, rats were treated with LI85008F for 28 days. The results showed that LI85008F increased energy expenditure, reduced body weight, fat mass, liver weight, and triglycerides, and improved metabolic markers.

Researchers concluded that curry leaves help control weight and fat buildup in obese rats by boosting energy metabolism and reducing fat production.

LI85008F also helps improve metabolic markers in the blood and liver, suggesting it may protect against fatty liver caused by a high-fat diet and other related health issues.

11. Helps in Wound-Healing

Curry leaves have been traditionally used in Asian folk medicine to heal wounds.

Curry leaves are known for their wound-healing properties due to their rich content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These leaves help promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection.

A study tested the wound healing effects of curry leaves on rats using three alkaloids (mahanine, mahanimbicine, mahanimbine), essential oil, and ethanol extract of curry leaves. The treatment sped up wound healing, with mahanimbicine and the extract showing the highest collagen deposition and faster wound closure compared to essential oil and other alkoloids, suggesting their potential in promoting wound healing.

Applying curry leaf extract or using it in wound care can speed up the healing process, reduce scarring, and protect the wound from harmful bacteria, making it a natural remedy for faster and healthier recovery.

12. Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties 

Research suggests that the plant itself has a number of active compounds with antimicrobial properties, including Mahanimbine, Murrayanol, Mahanine, and Gurjunene. These substances are proven to be effective at concentrations between 3.13 and 100 g/ml.

A study found that ethanol extracts of Nilgiri wormwood and curry leaves were effective against Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG in combination with anti-TB drugs. Ethanol extracts were most effective, with Murraya koenigii showing significant synergy with anti-TB drugs.

Another study on curry leaf compounds found that three carbazole alkaloids—mahanine, mahanimbicine, and mahanimbine—and essential oil were effective against five antibiotic-resistant bacteria and three cancer cell lines. Specifically, Mahanimbine and essential oil showed strong antibacterial and anti-cancer effects, with dose-dependent results.

Curry leaves’ potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties highlight their potential as natural remedies against various infections and pathogens.

Remember, these results are demonstrated on cellular and laboratory studies suggesting the need of further research.

13. Antifungal Properties 

Several studies have reported curry leaves’ antifungal activity by resisting the growth of gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Various studies back up the plant’s historic use as an antifungal agent. Curry leaves’ use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, and skin eruptions may be explained by their in-vitro antifungal action.

Traditional Use 

Curry leaves have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Here are the curry leaves benefits for which it has been revered in traditional medicine.

• Curry leaves are utilised as an excellent hair tonic or maintaining healthy hair tone and promoting hair development.
• Curry leaves are boiled in coconut oil until a thick residue forms, which is used for hair care. This mixture helps promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and improve scalp health.
• When consumed uncooked, curry leaves assist alleviate morning sickness and diarrhoea.
• Green curry leaves eaten raw along with lime juice can aid in the treatment of diarrhoea and morning sickness.
• Boils and kidney pain are respectively relieved by root juice and leaf paste.
• The dried curry leaf powder is combined with honey and betel nut juice in the Ayurvedic medical system as an anti-periodic remedy (means the mixture is used to prevent the recurrence of diseases or symptoms that occur in regular intervals, such as malaria).

How to Incorporate Curry Leaves into Your Diet

Curry leaves are incredibly versatile, which can be used in various culinary preparations to enhance flavor and nutrition. Here are some simple ways to include curry leaves in your diet:

• Cooking: Add fresh curry leaves to curries, soups, and stews for an aromatic flavor.
• Tempering: Use curry leaves in tempering (tadka) to add a unique flavor to dishes like dal, chutneys, and rice.
• Smoothies: Blend curry leaves into smoothies for a nutrient boost.
• Salads: Chop fresh curry leaves and add them to salads for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Teas: Brew curry leaves with water to make a refreshing and detoxifying tea.

The Bottom Line 

Including curry leaves in your diet is simple and gives delicious flavor to your food. You may include them into your food in any form, including fresh, dried, curry leaf powder, or oil. They provide many health benefits and are an ideal complement to any dish variety.

Curry leaves benefits range from treating ulcers and promoting digestion to improving cognition to anti-cancer properties.

Not just internally, curry leaves have been used in haircare regime for healthy and strong hair.

While these findings are promising, most of the studies are demonstrated in test-tube or animal studies, further research and clinical trials on humans are necessary to fully confirm and understand the efficacy and safety of curry leaves for these purposes.

However, the next time you cook, remember to drop some curry leaves into the recipe to reap all of its potential health benefits.

You may also read

List of Dry Fruits for Diabetics to Eat
Top 10 Calcium Rich Foods for Strong Bones

 

References:

English:Murraya koenigii. Common name: Indian Curry Tree, by Mokkie, Wikimedia Commons. Used under CC BY 3.0.

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